Frascold expands its field of action in the HVAC field with new generation semi-hermetic compressors capable of reaching fluid temperatures up to 135°C.
In the current context, transition to more sustainable solutions is increasingly imperative to meet the need to reduce CO₂ emissions and strengthen the HVAC industry's independence from fossil sources. In this sense, the goals set by the EU Green Deal, which strives towards climate neutrality by 2050 and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels are ambitious. In this direction, initiatives such as the REPowerEU plan, which is based on the implementation of the proposals of the "Ready for 55%" package and the revision of the F-Gas regulation are promoting the adoption of more efficient technologies based on natural refrigerants. As a matter of fact, one of the significant changes concerns the progressive replacement of gas boilers with solutions with less environmental impact, such as high-temperature heat pumps, which guarantee reliable performance, without requiring structural interventions to existing systems. A very interesting opportunity also for process heating, where the demand for sustainable solutions, capable of reaching temperatures above 100°C, is constantly increasing, representing a huge potential for a wide range of applications.
High temperature, low emissions: ATEX-HT is Frascold's answer
Frascold expands its field of action and meet market needs with the new series of ATEX-HT semi-hermetic piston compressors, specifically designed for use with hydrocarbons such as propane (R290), butane and isobutane. The range integrates new generation components for advanced technology, designed to offer high performance in terms of application flexibility, reliability and efficiency. In detail, with regard to versatility, the ATEX-HT series with R290 refrigerant offers the widest range of application, compared to the solutions currently available on the market. As a matter of fact, its wide speed adjustment range allows the compressor to operate at up to 25% of maximum capacity, adapting efficiently to low-load conditions. The reliability and efficiency of the series are the result of an advanced design for use with HC, which provides for the use of components designed to ensure operational continuity and optimised consumption, even in heavy operating conditions. The ability to operate up to the maximum fluid temperature of 135°C with butane, 115°C with isobutane and 85°C with propane, makes of Frascold compressors an ideal natural refrigerant solution to reduce emissions in the heating and air conditioning of medium and large industrial and commercial buildings. Integrated in reversible air-water and water-water heat pumps, they are used in healthcare settings such as hospitals, wellness and sports facilities, shopping malls and, above all, in the process industry.
The technological evolution of the ATEX-HT series focuses on four key elements: engine, valve plates, pistons and oil. In detail, the use of high-efficiency electric motors allows us to exceed seasonal efficiency targets in heating and cooling. In particular, the possibility of using permanent magnet rotors for S-V-Z sizes allows a further increase in performance, equal to 6% on average, which is even more relevant in conditions of high torque and low frequencies. In addition, the higher temperature limits allow to manage a warmer fluid in intake, facilitating operation even in high electrical absorption scenarios. And, again, the design of the valve plates has been optimised in order to withstand the high pressures involved, with differences between delivery and intake of over 30 bar. A further important improvement concerns the pistons, which are characterised by an innovative anti-friction surface treatment designed to reduce friction and wear. A plus that, in addition to raising the resilience of the compressor in heavy and variable plant conditions, facilitates the first start-up, also mitigating the negative effects of any blackouts. Also noteworthy is the choice to use oil with special additives dedicated to use with hydrocarbons, a guarantee of multiple advantages: firstly, it allows to limit the dilution of the refrigerant in the oil, to reduce wear and foaming when the pressure decreases. Secondly, by virtue of its excellent miscibility, thermal stability and lubricating capacity, it promotes the correct flow of oil in the refrigerant circuit which, in addition to improving heat exchange, guarantees an effective return to the ATEX-HT compressor, avoiding the need for regenerative exchangers.
The ATEX-HT compressor series comes in four sizes – S, V, Z and W – each with specific volumetric displacement values and motor power.
- S, the most compact one, comes with 4 pistons, with volumetric displacement values ranging from 33 to 56 m³/h and powers between 5 and 15 kW.
- V, with 4 models, it reaches 93 m³/h and 24 kW.
- Z, equipped with 6 pistons, offers up to 126 m³/h and 30 kW.
- W, the most powerful one, comes with 8 pistons, with maximum values of 206 m³/h and 52 kW.
“Frascold was among the first companies to recognise the potential of hydrocarbons for heat pumps and to focus on research and development to transform this intuition into high-performance and reliable solutions” said Livio Calabrese, Sales and Marketing Director at Frascold, who concluded “The new ATEX-HT series is the result of our deep knowledge of the needs of the industry, also stemming from a long direct experience on the ground with customers, a continuous technological progress and strategic vision, which uses sustainable innovation as major competitive asset in order to reduce operating costs and actively contribute to our Customers’ energy transition.”
